9/26/2006 9:54:00 AM Fusion LifeSpa offers haven from life's daily stresses
By Jayna Locke
All products used at the spa are eco-friendly and non toxic
While some experiences in life create immediate stress - police lights in the rearview mirror, your child going out on a first date, or work overload - others can immediately ease tension away.
Walking into Fusion LifeSpa in Deephaven is among the latter. Upon entering, you'll find yourself taking it all down a notch, dropping your shoulders and breathing a little more deeply.
Some of the relaxing ambience at Fusion LifeSpa is undoubtedly a result of the soothing aromas and music. However, it is also interesting to note that the spa has been completely designed using the art of feng shui, and that every aspect of the building and all products used and sold at the spa are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
The spa takes a holistic approach to everything from health treatments to massage, rejuvenation, and beauty services.
If you get a manicure or pedicure, you won't be awash in chemical odors or be exposed to toxins. The polishes used are free of phalates, formaldehyde and acetone, and the skin care treatments utilize organic oils and botanicals, as well as nutrients, green tea and even Japanese wine.
"We believe that what you put in your body, and how you treat your body, is going to come out in how you look and feel," said Lisa Carlson, the spa's manager. "We take a total wellness approach."
A tour of the facility is one way to get acquainted with Fusion LifeSpa. Manicures and pedicures take place in a well-lit room off the foyer.
Beyond that are spa ritual rooms with specially designed tubs and showers, and sizeable massage rooms that provide a surround-sound experience for the massage client.
A "relaxation room" at the rear of the facility is available for patrons, or even for those who have not scheduled any services but need a stress break. People can stop in, or come early for a spa appointment, to sit in the reclining chairs, sip green tea and meditate, or just relax by the fire.
This area includes lockers and shower rooms as well, which are also feng shui inspired.
Fusion LifeSpa is owned and operated by Donna and Tim Duffy and is staffed by a wide range of professionals, including licensed chiropractors, massage therapists, aestheticians, spa treatment professionals, acupuncturists, a feng shui specialist, a registered nurse, and a doctor who practices holistic medicine.
The services available are too numerous to list. But suffice it to say that if you were seeking French- or Thai-inspired spa treatments; or wanted to experience ritual flower oil baths from Japan, Indonesia or Morocco; or a chocolate therapy from Belgium, you would find that here.
You can also choose from a variety of facial treatments designed to firm and tone, rejuvenate or fight the effects of aging, and a range of therapies for relaxation and detoxification, as well as reflexology, craniosacral therapy and chiropractic, among other services.
Donna Duffy's own natural skin care line is among the variety of products available for purchase in the spa's foyer retail space. The retail selection also includes Kashwere robes, which Oprah Winfrey selected as her "Best Of" products in 2005, anti-microbial 100 percent bamboo sheets and soy candles created from genetically unaltered soybeans.
Several of the lines carried, such as the Red Flower and SpaRitual products, are exclusive to this spa.
In addition to spa services and cosmetic treatments, Fusion LifeSpa offers seasonal specials and hosts educational and therapeutic events. "Chi Nights," for example, allow clients to experience several different treatments over the course of an evening, and enjoy tea and snacks.
A basement gathering room offers space for parties, special events and corporate trainings.
Fusion LifeSpa honors its first year in business this fall with a week-long celebration from Oct. 9-14.
The spa is located at 18142 Minnetonka Blvd., one half mile west of County Road 101 in Deephaven.
